On vinyl, nostalgia, and the Filipino collector's passion

As Manila becomes home to Southeast Asia’s first Funko Pop flagship store, a new chapter begins for a fandom that has long made space for joy, identity, and the stories we choose to keep

- By JULES VIVAS

You know you’re in deep when a four-inch vinyl figure makes you scream in public.

It starts with a glance. Then you spot the box—your bias, your childhood hero, your ultimate villain. Suddenly, you’re elbow-deep in shelves, negotiating with your wallet like it’s a hostage situation.

Sure, they all have the same glossy stare, chubby cheeks, and impossibly big heads. But ask any Filipino collector and they’ll tell you that no two Funko Pops are the same. Each one tells a story.

So when the doors slid open for the first official Funko Pop flagship store in Southeast Asia, right here in Manila, the stories came pouring in. From multiple versions of the fast food icon Jollibee, to the Father of Philippine Christmas himself, Jose Mari Chan, and even Funko’s mascot Freddie decked out in a Gilas Pilipinas jersey, the store proudly showcases a range of Philippine-exclusive collectibles. It doesn’t stop at figures either. There’s exclusive apparel, Loungefly accessories, and enough pop culture eye candy to send any fan’s heart racing.